The brain regulates blood flow to match energy demand to nutrient supply. In this issue of Neuron, using in vivo optical imaging and optogenetics, Hill et al. (2015) report that arteriolar smooth muscle cells are key players in regulating cerebral blood flow in the healthy state and contribute to the "no reflow" phenomenon after ischemic stroke.

Drug-eluting balloon (DEB) with angioplasty a paclitaxel-coated balloon catheter is an effective treatment option in patients with in-stent restenosis (ISR) after a drug-eluting stent (DES). We describe a case in which 'no-reflow' phenomenon developed after DEB angioplasty of a DES ISR lesion. Coronary flow was restored after intracoronary administration of nicorandil.

After several hours of ischemia an incomplete return of blood flow has been reported in brain, kidney, skeletal muscle, and heart. The mechanisms responsible for the no-reflow phenomenon have been unclear, and perivascular edema, platelet or red cell plugs, and interstitial hemorrhage have been implicated. In the present study evidence is provided that leukocyte entrapment in capillaries might ...

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE While polymorphonuclear leukocytes may contribute to the "no-reflow" phenomenon after focal cardiac and skeletal muscle ischemia/reperfusion, their contribution to acute focal cerebral ischemia is unresolved. We have examined the role of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in microvascular perfusion defects after focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion in a baboon model of reversibl...

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Microvascular perfusion defects may accompany sustained occlusion and subsequent reperfusion of the middle cerebral artery; however, the nature of such "no-reflow" defects remains unclear. METHODS In the absence of antithrombotic pretreatment, we documented lenticulostriatal microvascular flow integrity following 3-hour middle cerebral artery occlusion and 1-hour reperf...